A/N: Happy Almost Autumn Everyone!

I personally love this time of year, even though it comes and goes way too soon in my opinion. It's my favorite for three reasons…

1. The leaves this time of the year are beautiful

2. it's not a gazillion degrees outside

3. I can get pumpkin flavored anything. (My personal favorites are pumpkin latte's at Starbucks and pumpkin pie blizzards and Dairy Queen:)

Halloween is vastly approaching as well, and I work in a fabric store so I am surrounded by people making costumes already. It's fun to see what people come up with, especially if they're totally random. (those are my favorites) I personally don't tend to dress up, but I enjoy watching others who do. This year I'm too broke to dress up anyway, and the kids who show up at my door will be getting the cheap candy too…oh well, it's better than nothing!

But before ANY of that even happens, there's a much more important date on my calendar…you guessed it…WALKING DEAD SEASON 4 PREMIER EPISODE DAY! I can't believe it's almost here! It's felt like a lifetime since I was able to watch my favorite characters in a new episode. I know the old ones by heart now, but it does get a little old some days. Anyway, I've yapped enough as it is. Enjoy the chapter!

Disclaimer: I do not own The Walking Dead or its affiliates.

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Ch20

It's almost time…

Daryl had gone to look out the closest window to the infirmary to see if he could tell what time of day it was. The sun was starting to descend down towards the hills, casting everything in a bright orange hue. On any other day, he would've been able to appreciate the view for what it was. Right now, it was just a sign of things to come. Things he didn't want to deal with.

He made his way back over to Carol's room, noticing that she was sitting up on her cot like she had been expecting him to come back with the announcement. She was already dressed, thanks in big part to Michonne. Apparently, they had talked the night before while he had been getting them food. When Carol had asked him to go find something suitable for her to wear, he'd immediately panicked. He had no clue what she'd consider suitable, and the idea of sifting through her unmentionables had him turning fifty shades of red. Luckily, women think alike, and Michonne had come to the rescue just in time. She'd even helped Carol get situated while he had excused himself to go check on the progress of the day.

"You sure you're up for this?" He asked, helping her to her feet. "Cause if you ain't, it's okay."

She smiled. "Of the two of us, I don't think I'm the one who's not up for this."

"Told you I don't like funerals."

"I know you don't." She brushed his hair out of his eyes. "But I'm still glad you're coming with me. It would mean a lot to Beth too."

Not knowing what to say, he quietly guided her over to the door so they could head to the main block where Rick was waiting for them. He had surprised Daryl by finding a wheelchair the night before, which they were planning to use to help Carol get down to the field in an easier way. It worked great on the blacktop, but not as well on the grass, so they'd have to help them down from there on foot. Daryl offered to carry her, but he wasn't surprised when she turned him down and decided to walk. They had set up chairs by the grave for them both too so at least they could sit during the ceremony.

Once Carol was situated at her seat, Daryl went back up to help get Herschel and Maggie down. Of the two of them, Herschel seemed to be handling things better, and was probably capable of getting himself down to the field without an escort. Maggie on the other hand, looked like she hadn't slept in days and was about to drop over. He felt sorry for the poor woman. She was obviously having a hard time with the loss. As soon as they got them into their seats, Herschel he leaned over to take Carol's hand and whispered something in her ear. She nodded silently and pulled back, her eyes looking a little misty. Herschel then turned to Maggie on his other side and took her hand as well, pulling both of them closer to him. At first, Daryl thought that he was trying to comfort himself, but then he realized it was actually the opposite.

He didn't need support. He was trying to give it out.

"I think we're gonna start in a minute." Rick said, coming up from behind Daryl when the rest of the Woodbury group had finished trickling down the hill. "Everything over here all right?"

"As much as it can be."

He gestured to Glenn, who walked over took his place by the head of the grave. He was holding Herschel's Bible in one hand, and a piece of paper in the other. "Thanks for coming down everyone. I've uh…I've been asked to speak on the behalf of the family." He cleared his throat. "I um…I didn't know Beth growing up obviously, but over the last few days, Herschel and Maggie have told me some stories from her life, which I'd like to share with everyone." He pulled out the piece of paper. "Elizabeth Margaret Greene was born on a hot summer day, much like this one. Herschel tells me that she came into the world with such a howl that for a moment, he was worried his wife had given birth to a baby wolf cub."

A few people chuckled around them. Daryl didn't exactly think it was polite to laugh at a funeral, but he kept his mouth shut about it.

"Growing up, Beth loved to go horseback riding and chase the chickens around the yard. She also loved being around children, but decided in her early teens that she wanted to be a veterinarian like her father. When people around them started to be effected by the outbreak, she put her plans for college on hold so that she could be there to support her family. Her mother and brother sadly passed away, but Beth was able to overcome her losses and helped welcome my group into her life and her home."

He put the paper away and looked over at Maggie. Daryl couldn't see her face real well, but it looked like she was attempting to smile. "I'd actually like to tell a story of my own about Beth. When my group came onto the farm, I had no idea that I would not only find another group of survivors, but also the love of my life." He chuckled. "Maggie wasn't exactly sure what to make of me at first, but apparently after a talk with Beth, she decided to give me a chance. It's because of Beth that I'm now a part of this family, and I owe her everything for that."

Herschel and Maggie were both wiping at their eyes, but to Daryl's surprise, Carol seemed to be holding up okay. She looked up in that moment, sensing that he was worried about her. It was scary how well she knew him sometimes.

Glenn started to pull out Herschel's bible and opened it to a marked page. As he began to read, Daryl was surprised to recognize the passage. It had been one of Merle's favorites. "'So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.'Second Corinthians 5:6-8"

Glenn continued. "While we were on the run, things always looked meek. When we'd get too run down or close to giving up, Beth would sing to lift our spirits. She had a beautiful voice and one of her favorite songs growing up was "Bridge Over Troubled Waters." Glenn stepped over slightly towards the other graves that marked the field. "We have asked Sasha to sing this song in honor of Beth, but also for the other friends we have lost along our journey to this place. We dedicate this to Lori, T-Dog, Oscar, Axel, Merle, and Andrea. May they all rest in peace."

Sasha stepped out of the crowd and turned herself in the direction of where they were seated. Daryl had never heard her sing a note, but from the minute the first note left her mouth, it filled him with awe.

When you're weary, feelin' small
When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all
I'm on your side, oh, when times get rough, and friends just can't be found

Like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay me down

When you're down and out, when you're on the street
When evening falls so hard, I will comfort you
I'll take your part, oh when darkness comes, and pain is all around

Like a bridge over troubled water, I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water, I will ease your mind

Sail on silver girl, sail on by
Your time has come to shine, all your dreams are on their way
See how they shine, oh, if you need a friend, I'm sailing right behind

Like a bridge over troubled water, I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water, I will ease your mind

Once Sasha was done, Glenn stepped back out again. Daryl didn't need to look around to know that people were crying now. He could hear it. He tried to look down at Carol, but her head was bent so that he couldn't see her face. He reached down and took her free hand in his to let her know that he was still there.

"Thank you Sasha. That was beautiful." Glenn said, looking just as emotional. "If anyone would like to come up to pay their respects to Beth now, please feel free. The kids in her class have each made cards they have asked to place by the grave at this time. Maggie, Herschel, and I would like to thank everyone for their support."

The kids started lining up one by one to place their notes down by the grave. The sight of it damn near broke Daryl's heart. It was obvious they'd cared about her. Kids always had it the worst in these kinds of situations. Trying to explain why things like this happened was never easy, and they always took it hard. He watched as they slowly started putting their cards down in the dirt and walking away. Carl was the last, and he placed his right in the center of the grave before getting to his feet and walking back over to his father.

The crowd was starting to break up when Daryl felt Carol's hand tighten in his as she attempted to pull herself up out of her seat. He went to help steady her, but was surprised when she signaled for him to let go. He had no idea what she was planning to do.

"If nobody minds," She said, grabbing everyone's attention, including his. "Before we go, I just have something I need to say…"

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Everyone was starting at her, and with good reason. Carol suddenly felt like she was being propelled back in time to the day she'd had to plead her case to go on the scouting trip. The only difference this time was that Daryl would hopefully support her rather than trying to talk her out of it.

In truth, she wouldn't have had the courage to stand up and say anything if it wasn't for his support through all of this. Herschel had been just as wonderful, giving his approval and holding her hand through the entire ceremony. When he had leaned over to tell her that he could never blame her for what happened, it was all the encouragement she'd needed to stand up and give Beth the tribute she deserved.

"I know that you all have heard about what happened to Beth and I down in the tombs." She said, looking out over the faces standing in front of her. "I just want to say that Beth was one of the most special people I have ever met. Her smile and her enthusiasm were contagious. She cared about everyone in this group so much, and her only thoughts towards the end were making sure that no one else suffered on her behalf." Her voice was starting to waver. "She fought valiantly, and I wouldn't be standing here in front of you today if it wasn't for her sacrifice. I loved her like a daughter and I will cherish her all my life."

Everyone stayed silent as Carol finished speaking. She almost couldn't believe that she'd managed to keep her composure during the whole thing. It had been tough, but every word she had spoken had come directly from her heart. As she turned back to Daryl to signal that she was ready to go, she was surprised to see him nearly in tears as well. He placed his arm around her waist securely and lightly kissed the side of her head.

"You know you're amazing, right?"

She sighed. "All I feel right now is exhausted."

Daryl pushed her forward slightly. "Come on…let's get you back."

They hadn't taken more than two steps forward before Carol felt someone tugging at her arm. When she turned back, Maggie was reaching out to pull her into a fierce hug. It nearly knocked the wind out of her, and Maggie was shaking so hard she was worried they might both topple over.

"Oh Carol…" She said between sobs. "Thank you so much…you have always been like a mother to both of us and I know Beth loved you with all her heart."

Carol felt tears flood her eyes as she pulled back and tried to take in the beautiful girl's face. "You don't know what that means to me Maggie…I love you both so much."

Glenn came over to comfort Maggie as Daryl went to pull her away. Carol was sure he could sense that she was starting to unravel and knew that she needed to get back to the prison. When she went to take a step, her knees started to give out and she could feel herself being pulled down. Just as suddenly, she was being lifted into the air by a pair of strong arms. Daryl had caught her and pulled her to his chest. She hung on with what little strength she had left as they climbed the hill and made their way back into the prison.

"What you just did…" Daryl said as they walked down the hallway alone. "Beth would've been proud of you. You're stronger than you let people believe sometimes."

As badly as Carol wanted to believe it, she didn't feel strong at all. It was taking every ounce of energy she had left not to break down like a baby. Daryl was giving her more credit than he should have been. She felt the need to repent.

"I'm sorry Daryl."

He looked down at her as he walked. "What for?"

"I didn't know everything would just hit me like this."

"I did." He said as he rounded a corner. "S'why I didn't want ya to go. I knew it'd get to ya."

Of course he had. Daryl had expected this all along. How had she actually convinced herself that it would be as simple as saying a few words? Nothing involving grief was simple or easy. It was probably the most complicated emotion there was.

They finally made it back to the room, and Daryl bent down to place her gently back on the bed. She remained sitting up, trying to take in everything that she had just seen and heard. Daryl continued to crouch down next to her, probably trying to read her face.

"Y'all right?"

"I thought I had said all my goodbyes before, but I was wrong."

He looked confused. "What'd ya mean?

"I get it now." she said looking down at him. "The restlessness I've been feeling…it wasn't because I've been stuck in bed. I was trying so hard not to think or feel anything the past week that my mind started to work against me. When I went out to that field today, it hit me that I've been holding onto much more than I realized. Not for Beth, but for the other people that I never stopped to grieve for. Lori and T-Dog and Andrea…I loved them. They were my family, and I never grieved for them."

"We didn't have time." He said simply. "There was too much goin' on back then. Doesn't mean you didn't care."

"I know, but I…" She could feel herself coming unhinged again. "I want so badly to believe in something good again. To know that there's a purpose for all of this."

Daryl stayed silent for a moment, probably not sure exactly what to say. She hadn't meant for him to give her a literal answer, but the longer they went on in this world, the more she began to question her belief in a higher power. Nothing seemed right or fair in a world where innocent people had to die for others to survive. Most days, she could make herself go on knowing that eventually things would get better, but not today.

After another moment of silence, Daryl stood up and nudged her back against the wall so that he could get her to lie back on the cot. To her surprise, instead of going over to his own cot, he sat on the edge of hers, easing himself back until he was lying right next to her. He slipped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer, still making sure not to hurt her injury. Carol managed to curl herself up against him while resting her head against his shoulder. Then, in the midst of it all, he found the words they both so desperately needed to hear.

"Believe in us…we'll get through this. We always do."

The torrent of emotion finally hit her like a tidal wave. She tried desperately to hold back the sob that was creeping its way up her chest, but eventually there was no hope. Her fists balled against the fabric of his shirt as she let all of the pain and hurt from the past year come flooding to the surface. The sobs wracked through her whole body as Daryl held her tightly, rubbing circles on her back and trying to ease her through it. Eventually, she lost track of all space and time, but in the end, it didn't matter. Words were now useless.

There was nothing left to say.

A/N: I have to give a huge thank you toPeta2for being my guinea pig and helping me work through this chapter. It was a very tough chapter for me to write…maybe harder than anything else I've ever written. Having to dig that deep into those emotions was really rough on me. I pretty much cried my way through writing everything from Carol's POV, but that just tells me that it's where it should be. This is also one of my proudest chapters too. Anyway, thanks Peta2…your notes and comments were very helpful, and I hope I managed to pull it together okay in the end!

As for the rest of the story…sadly, there are only about 4 chapters left. I honestly can't believe I'm almost done telling this story! I promise the most emotional stuff is over, but it doesn't meant that there aren't going to be some tense moments coming. Luckily, for those of you who have been waiting patiently, the smutty stuff is coming up soon too. While I don't plan on going into too much graphic detail (cause honestly, if you can't figure out what's supposed to go where, you probably aren't old enough to read this) but I promise it will still get the old blood pumping through your veins nonetheless. Anyway, that's all for now…off to write some more!